9 Home Design Trends to Ditch in 2016

As you begin sifting through 2016 resolutions, don’t just focus on your personal life—consider ways you can reinvent your personal space, too. Perhaps you’re looking to commit to a new paint color in the living room or maybe you’re finally ready to invest in a new master bathroom. Whatever your home decor aspirations are for 2016, it’s important to know what’s in…and out. That’s why we asked 9 in-the-know interior designers about the old home trends that you can say goodbye to in the new year.

Chevron

The V-shaped pattern peaked in 2015, according to Sara Gilbane Sullivan of Sara Gilbane Interiors. “I think chevron is on its way out,” she says. “I have seen it a lot in fabric, wallpaper, and flooring (wood and tile) and it is already starting to feel dated to me. A herringbone wood floor is classic, but chevron no longer feels fresh.”

Too Much Gray

Come 2016, you’ll see less and less of this everyday neutral. “I’m expecting the 50 Shades of Gray trend to decline next year,” says Lucie Ayres of 22 Interiors. “We’ve seen way too much gray—floors, furniture finishes, interior paint, exterior paint and in every type of fabric. I think we’ll be moving toward high contrast rooms and unexpected choices like black or colored trim.”

Cheap Mirrored Furniture

Out with the old, in with the new—at least, that’s the consensus on the mirrored furniture trend. “Cheap, mirrored furniture—specifically nightstands—that are available at every low-end home decor store is something I’d like to see gone,” says Carla Aston of Carla Aston DESIGNED. “It’s only beautiful when it sits in the most glam of rooms and, even then, a little bit goes a long way.”

Barn Doors

This rustic slider may have been popular in 2015, but it’s time to move on, says Renee Carmen of Mandeville Canyon Designs. “It’s a great accent and one that’s definitely appropriate in some settings, but not every home should be designed to look like a stable,” she says. “Also, there aren’t any barns that have sliders on the bathroom. Privacy please!”

Kitchen Offices

If you have a desk set up in the kitchen, it may be time to find it a new home. “You want it out of the high traffic area,” says Aleesia Z. Loffredo of ReDesign Home. “Instead, focus on maximizing storage space in kitchens and creating office areas in a separate and more private setting, like the study. If you don’t have a study, carve space for a desk in living rooms or bedrooms.”

Poorly Located Laundry Rooms

In many of today's new homes, the laundry room feels entirely misplaced. “Why are they nestled between the kitchen and garage rather than near the bedrooms and baths where the clothes and linens are?” asks Sharon Radovich of Panache Interior Design. “It’s poor design that should be re-thought.”

Jacuzzis

It’s time to rethink the way you pamper yourself at home, adds Aleesia Z. Loffredo of ReDesign Home. If you're considering a bathroom remodel in 2016, you may want to rethink the jetted tub. “A free-standing tub in the master bathroom creates an elegant and carefree space for any homeowner. Think of it as an easy way to create an in-home spa.”

Too Many Color Changes

A major room redo in 2016 may not require a fresh color of paint. According to Julia Mack of Julia Mack Design, there’s another way: “Opt for a tonal change instead of a color change,” she says. The best way to pull this off? “I worked with a client and recommended she paint the walls a warm satin gray color and the freestanding columns be painted a glossy.”

Neutrals

In 2016, homes with neutral palettes will give way to richer color schemes. Michael Mershat of Wentworth Studio says, “Grays, whites, and taupes will still be there, but they will become the background that allows us to incorporate bold colors in the forefront." The good news is that's an easy change for those making over all-white rooms next year. These spaces, he adds that colorless carpets and throws will give way to "bold, rich and deep hues, and the gray family room will be enveloped by deep, cozy, velvety blues.”